Back in September (2019) when I had started listening to the Dave Ramsey YouTube channel, I had a little bit of difficulty actually believing that, with our small combined income of only about $54,000 (before tax), we could actually become debt free and live life for ourselves instead of paying the banks/other people.
Within 2 weeks of our decision to go 'all in' with the Ramsey Baby Steps, the heat in our van quit. Yep, it was awesome... Not!
Thankfully, James is mechanically inclined and knows plenty about vehicles and he was able to figure out that the fluids were on the low side. We still aren't sure as to whether the head gasket is cracked or not but for now (4 months later), the fluid levels are still okay and the heat is still hot.
The electrical in the van also started to go wacky, but because we had already started saving toward our $1,000 emergency fund, we had just enough money to cover the replacement parts/wire ($204) and James was able to do the work himself, eliminating the need for shop hours. Our emergency fund was down to about $24 but we hadn't needed to take money from our food or gas envelopes and we were still tithing our 10%.
In November, I had to make a really hard decision as a mom.
I chose to sell my daughter's pony, Annie. Because we are currently living in town, we were having to pay boarding fees at a cost of about $200/month.
With my super low income since being injured at my last job, and James already working 6 plus days a week at his two jobs, I didn't feel right about keeping this 'sinking fund' as it were.
I was able to sell her to a loving woman who runs a riding school just outside the city. I spent many hours in training Annie, so it was nice to see my training being put to good use and being enjoyed by the little students at this riding school.
This is the first time in 14 years that I and my children are without a horse, but I also know that in the end, when our debt is paid off, James and I will be heading out to a country property with horses once again in our back yard and no street lights to drown out the stars above.
We made it through the holidays too! The kids have been really on board with our plan, they don't like living in town and the goal of being able to own a home out in the country is definitely driving them. We have been open and honest with all of them, including our 4 year old, and they all understand that debt only makes you happy in the short term and drowns you in the end. They were prepared for smaller, more meaningful gifts at Christmas. There were no complaints.
Fast forward 2 weeks later... We made it to Baby Step #1 ! Save $1,000 in an emergency fund.
I honestly can't believe we made it to this step, let alone the fact that the money is staying there! Amazing!
I realize that this is a small step compared to what is in front of us, but I know it will be worth it for our family's future.
Follow me and my family as we share our joys and our struggles to financial freedom and truly following after what God wants for our lives.
